Evans is now 4.02 behind Nibali and just 10 seconds ahead of third-place Rigoberto Uran with three stages to go.

"It's not for lack of trying that I lost a minute or two minutes," Evans said.

"I came to this Giro with high hopes, but not high expectations. My real objective was to give my best, and, until this point, I've made a few mistakes, but nothing big. So in that regard, in terms of giving my best, that's great.

"But of course you want to be winning - and that's maybe when your hopes rise above your capabilities. I'm unlikely to win, but I came here for training for the Tour de France. Second place at this point is not so bad."

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Sergio Garcia watches his shot from the 2nd tee during the first round of the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth.Source: AFP

GARCIA GETS BACK IN THE GAME

After his unfortunate "fried chicken" remark during the week in the midst of his stoush with Tiger Woods, a contrite Sergio Garcia finally got back to his day job overnight.

But the Spaniard holed a 25-foot putt for an eagle on the par-5 18th and signed for a level par round of 72.

South Africa's James Kingston posted a six-under par 66 to lead the first round on a day of frustration for Rory McIlory.

McIlroy shot a two-over par 74, the same score as Graeme McDowell, whilst fellow Ryder Cup player Luke Donald, who has won the Wentworth event for the last two years, ended six-over and is in danger of missing the cut.

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South Africa's Caster Semenya pictured after winning silver in the 800m at the London Olympics.Source: AP

NO FUNDING FOR SOUTH AFRICA'S MOST FAMOUS

Okay, so withholding state support from an accused murderer isn't that odd, but South Africa's decision to deny its golden girl cash ahead of the 2016 Rio Games has some officials crying foul.

Pistorius, a double-amputee runner who competed at the London Games, was not on the high performance list for the next Olympics and Paralympics after his decision to stay away from competition for the rest of the year to focus on defending himself against a murder charge for the shooting death of his girlfriend in February.

But while Pistorius's absence was expected, Semenya's was a major surprise after building a reputation as South Africa's top runner over the past four years.

Still only 22, Semenya is seen as South Africa's best hope for an Olympic track title in Rio.

ASA president James Evans said he was not consulted in leaving Semenya off the program and was surprised by the decision.

The announcement comes a week after police arrested three cricketers, including Test fast bowler Shanthakumaran Sreesanth, accusing them of deliberately bowling badly in exchange for tens of thousands of dollars during the current Indian Premier League.

The International Cricket Council said the decision was made after media reports on Wednesday "that the Mumbai police are conducting an investigation" into Rauf's activities.

"We feel that it is in Asad's best interests as well as those of the sport and the event itself, that he is withdrawn from participating in the Champions Trophy," the ICC said in the statement.

Rauf, 57, who has stood in 48 Tests and 98 one-day internationals, was one of the umpires during the IPL.

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WHY ARE THOSE SNOW CONES A FUNNY COLOUR?

And finally, a heart-warming story from the world of US sports. Rising vomit warms the heart, doesn't it?

A US food vendor has been fired after being filmed taking a tray of snow cones into a bathroom and putting it on the floor while using the facilities.

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